Palliative care nursing education: opportunities for gerontological nurses

Approximately 80% of Americans who die each year are 65 or older. Increasingly, gerontological nurses are asked to deliver high quality end-of-life care. Studies, however, have identified deficiencies in the delivery of care to older adults who are dying-particularly those who die in nursing homes. Enhancing nursing education and training in end-of-life care is one strategy proposed as a remedy for inadequate care for nursing home residents who are dying. This article reviews the current status of end-of-life nursing home care, describes the philosophy and components of quality palliative care, and provides information about opportunities and resources for educating gerontological nurses in end-of-life care.